Rush Meets LOONEY TUNES???
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- Опубліковано 2 січ 2024
- #bass #basshistory #transcription #analysis #paulthompson
Remember that time Rush worked music from cartoons into one of their greatest recordings?
Digging into "La Villa Strangiato" from 1978's HEMISPHERES, breaking down Geddy Lee's wicked bass solo (and it's Jazz connections) and showing you how pianist/composer Raymond Scott will always be linked to this iconic prog rock instrumental.
Website - www.paulthompson.us
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Upstanding young men, paying penance when none was owed. It just makes me love the band that much more!
Concur with your assessment. Solid gents they are.
Yeah. Only after getting busted. Woulda been more impressed had they paid up before being sued.
@@zombywoof1015 I get it. However, doing it after the statute of limitations was done showed they’d have done it had they been aware. They could’ve walked away legally without a care, but they did the morally correct thing.
@@zombywoof1015they may have genuinely assumed it was in the public domain until legal issues hit.
Or, they didn’t really know where it came from. Some tune rolling around in the back of your head, something they heard in a cartoon as a child, it could be very easy to not even realize they had done it, until after the album was released and someone else pointed it out. Claiming they knew in advance is quite presumptuous.
But once they did know, they chose to do what they thought was right. Unlike Zeppelin who knew damn well they had stolen lyrics from blues singers, and spent more money on lawyers than it would have cost to just pay the guy.
I just love it when pdbass brings out his love for Rush. Geddy was my first bass hero too!
Yes, pdbass is all PRO.
I'm a huge Rush fan but I learned something new today about them. I love La Villa Strangiato the most of all their instrumentals, and that says a lot.
When nothing needs to be sung. Word!
There is footage from Hemispheres that they actually played between movies on HBO
They play The Trees and La Villa Strangiato
Check this out, "Instrumental Illness" by the Allman Bros.
Nobody talks about this!
I saw that cartoon only once when I was a kid, made the connection to the song, and felt like I was going insane for 35 years trying to tell people there was a Loony Toons bit on La Via.
Me too! the first time i heard that part in the song it was like i had heard it before. it has always been in the back of my mind, wondering why it was so familiar. today was the day i was able to set my mind free hahaha.
They paid the widow of the composer back royalities without a claim by the estate. Classy move.
Been a huge Rush fan for 40 years. Seen them dozens of times, have Geddy’s books, even met him. I knew that part in La Villa was an arrangement of that old song. I did not know about the copyright check. Well reported (and played), sir.
DITTO
Rush is classy AF, amazing band
omG!!! It is so good to hear a story of a band doing the honorable thing!!! Good on Rush for blessing Raymond Scott with a check ❤
They really were something special.
I agree with you there!! Quite a shock in the recording industry to have a little honesty and a “tip of the cap” back to your predecessors!!
YEEEEEESSS, FINALLY!!! BRAVO my good brother, OUTSTANDING post! I am 57 years old and have been HIGHLY aware of this awesome musical section since 1981 and use to laugh about it while always tipping my hat to the guys for being so frickin BRILLIANT for coming up with the idea to insert this into their own masterpiece. For my friends and myself this little nod to the animated world of cartoons was one of MANY things that RUSH did that helped push them into the stratosphere as one of the greatest rock bands EVER over 40 years ago. We use to wonder how many people actually caught the fact that this groovy ass section was used in quite a few cartoons. For decades whenever I would hear it in a cartoon I would IMMEDIATELY think of RUSH!
For someone still adoring Looney Tunes cartoons I knew this immediately!
I'm also a huge Rush fan.
Amazing band!
RIP Neil
Playing that solo on upright was sick. Thanks for that uplifting performance.
I couldn’t agree more. Rush is the greatest band ever. When you get the longest and loudest standing ovation in the history of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, that tells you everything you need to know about how loved these guys are. No other band sounded like Rush and no other band ever will sound like Rush.
Rnr hall means nothing
"Today, I'm talking about the greatest band in the world... Rush"
You, sir, have filled me with unimaginable joy and made my day 1000x better with just one sentence.
Lol! I NEVER knew that! But, it's funny when I played that with my band back in 1983, I always thought that part stood out as "not quite Rush". I most likely subliminally recognized it - as I was a Loony Tunes fan as a kid, weren't we all?!? Fun fact: Rush's 1st gig in the USA was at the Civic Arena - being a Pittsburgh guy, I thought you might appreciate that. 😃😉🎶
Same for Me.
Reading My Effin Life, i think Pgh show was first show w Neil. Seems like some prior us ones were mentioned.
As soon as I read the title of this video, I knew exactly which song and part you’re referring to…
I came across a Raymond Scott box set in the early 2000s, and I had to take it home with me simply *because* of this whole section of the song, and to hear whatever other whacky ideas this man put down on tape.
Love your eclectic style. Thanks for addressing this section!
Yep, me too. However, I bought a Carl Stalling cassette with Powerhouse on it for the same reason. And La Villa is a FUN song to play, whether on guitar, bass or drums... 🙂
My uncle introduced me to rock music via Rush and Thin Lizzy and he learned to play bass after hearing Geddy Lee and Phil Lynott. 40+ years later, I still love Rush and have appreciation for a vast genre of music that uses bass and ranges from rock to hip-hop to orchestra movie soundtracks to death metal.
TMBG used the same lick in a breakdown on their debut album, as a prog kid that was mind blowing and confusing AF. Rush is so full of musical jokes, my fave is probably the 1812 Overture in the 2112 Overture 🙌❤🔥
hahaha right!
It’s amazing the breadth of musical influence Looney Tunes introduced me to as a child. Jazz, Opera, Classical, Black South, etc…
Welcome to my shop. Let me cut your mop.... Daintily
The only time I ever heard “Powerhouse” was in cartoons, and never in its complete form. When I first listened to “La Villa”, it took me a minute to remember where I had originally heard it. The song was ubiquitous and yet mysterious, like it had always been there.
Thank you for giving La Villa Strangiato the recognition it deserves. Also, thanks for reminding us of the name of the song Powerhouse.
Happy New Year! I also grew up on Rush and love them to this day. I started piano lessons at 7 and taught myself guitar, then bass guitar to Rush, Led Zeppelin and Black Sabbath albums starting at 14 in 1982. Moving Pictures through Power Windows are a contentious era amongst self-styled Rush super fans, but it's the period I always return to, perhaps because it mirrors my high school years. And my goodness, what can one say about the genius of Carl Stalling? You said it best!
Speaking of looney tunes, several years ago, my music theory professor was demonstrating a passage on piano. In the middle of this example, he threw in, "Believe Me, If All Those Endearing Young Charms". The rest of the class couldn't figure out why I was nearly falling out of my desk. IYKYK. So glad I stumbled upon your channel.
Wow. I recently read Geddy Lee's autobiography and have been very into Rush again after a long gap. Thanks for this. Really cool story!
I grew up a jazz fiend. When I reported to my next duty station after my overseas duty, I mistakenly taken one of my brothers albums, 2112. Not knowing who these guys were I put it on the table. "Who the hell are these guys?" I heard musician ship I did not associate with rock bands. This explanation of some of the jazz influence makes sense. I got to see Rush 25 times. I don't have the words, especially seeing La Villa Strangiato live for the first time. In a word, awesome. Thanks for posting this.
Rush has always been a class act.
Thanks for the confirmation.
Happy New Year! Thank you for doing this video. We used to play La Villa live and it was always one of the most fun songs to play in the set. I saw them live in 1976 and it cemented my love for playing bass, for technically advanced music, and for Rush. There will never be 3 friends who also happen to be great people, quiet philanthropists, exceptional musicians, and creative forces who will exist on their level for a nearly 50 year career again. Lightning in the maple syrup bottle.
Just finished Geddy Lee's book recently. I've been a RUSH fan since the late 70s. But saw them more as a BAND, than individual players. That view changed after reading Lee's book. That Dude has a total LOVE of his instrument. And delves into how the Bass came to be his instrument of choice. Along with those Players (and Music) he's idolized. Great Read.
Once again you killed it! We were separated at birth I’m pretty sure of it! Great job again Paul!
Powerhouse and the Hungarian Rhapsody no.2 (F.Liszt) are two of the standouts, along with the Barber of Seville, which always come to mind when I think of Merrie Melodies and Looney Tunes. The original songs themselves and the way they were used in these cartoons (and homages by bands like Rush) are inspirational and memorable--and that's what music is all about, for me!
Raymond Scott was a musical genius. a composer, an inventor and conductor. And crazy perfectionist. We've all been listening to him for decades and don't know it. im having Powerhouse play at my funeral. Killer track. Thanks for posting.
Thank you so much for documenting this, I share the same love, cheers
Bro you’re one of the few people who would have even recognized that song from Looney Tuned . As always , thanks buddy. Another memorable learning experience from you. With an assist from Bugs Bunny 😂
You are awesome Brother.
Memories!!
I knew about the "borrowing" that they did. I didn't know about the repercussions and RUSH making it right. Class act. Doing the right thing, just because it's the right thing.
Last time I was in a bar, they played ALL of 2112. Mind blown.
The Raymond Scott Quintet is absolutely out of this world brilliant.
very interesting. me, like many other huge Rush fans, have never heard this story. well done! ❤
One of my favorite bands! Saw them numerous times from the 70's through the 90's it's a shame I'll never see them again. I already knew the riff came from Looney Tunes, but I didn't know who wrote it. Thank you !
I remember hearing Rush for the first time while driving through green hills heading to play paintball with my dad and some friends. Geddy Lee was the first High Tenor I ever heard other than Jon Anderson in 'I've Seen All Good People.' Its weird because Jon Anderson actually lives by me now. Rush will probably always be my favorite band other than Asylum Party and The Sound. The reason I fell in love with bands like At-The-Drive-In and Coheed and Cambria is because their early albums sounded like a young Geddy Lee.
I share your story that Geddy Lee was literally the reason I considered, then played bass as a ‘teeenager, later professionally. I knew that part of Power House shared Strangiato, but I never knew the name Power House, thanks! ..and I look forward to checking out your dissection of YYZ video!!
Rush was the 1st band I idolized. My first deep dives and transcriptions were of Neil Peart (YYZ, Tom Sawyer and others). Would you agree that La Villa Strangiato was the inspiration for Derek Smalls' Jazz Odyssey? Great Video! Happy New Year!
Actually that is a jazz standard night in Tunisia
The difference between you and the many millions who fell in love with Rush could not be any broader than it is.
You are an actual individual.
RUSH writing a check after the fact to pay compensation shows u what kinda ppl they are - they always been humble an respectful in the music world - how many other ppl would do that - cool video i watch toons before school in the morning an nvr put 2 an 2 together
Those are probably my 3 favorite Rush songs also!
Carl Stalling was a LEGEND! I actually have a collection of his work on CD. The orchestra were asked to do some absolutely insane playing in support of cartoon music. What a time it must have been to be alive and a musician in that band! Talk about gruelling.
Actually that bit of music you hear in Looney Toons is "Powerhouse" written by Raymond Scott. It did wind up in a number of cartoons. Raymond Scott was a musical mad scientist.
I never realized that "Powerhouse" found it's way into into this Rush song until I watched this video. Major kudos!
@@TheOwlbeat me to it
@@TheOwl I was always a bit miffed that even Rush gave the man no credit. It's nice this guy uses snippets from the original Brunswick 78rpm. I have the eight sides he cut for Decca in April-June 1941.
tbh, danny thompson and mick karn were/are my favourite bassists. HOWEVER, Geddy Lee is on another level. Proud owner, or borrower, of the first six albums way back when. *Great video.*
RUSH rules!!! Excellent work as usual, Sir.
Y-Y- zed, I love their instrumentals!!!
I concour.
I also am a bass player, when i go in the other room to practice, there are certain songs that i'll play to and one of them is ALWAYS Working Man by Rush. LOVE that song, there's some good bass lines in there.
I'll never listen to Strangiato quite the same without hearing that 'looney toons' reference. Cool beans.
The village stranger was intense and awesome from Rush..those musicians are humble but awesome.
I just downloaded "Powerhouse". That's going to be on the playlist during my ride to work until I retire.
Your videos are some of my very favorite of all the offerings on UA-cam. Outstanding work, thank you for your efforts!
Getty Lee and I share a birthday. My favorite band of all time as well
I was thirteen, baked, playing D&D, and Is playing rush albums on repeat. Today i'm retired and play bass in a cover band. Getty lee was my hero two brother, You are outstanding on the bass! Thank you for all the content
Good on the lads for making good on what they recognized as the original work. Even more respect for them. RIP Neal.
That's Jazz y'all. Love it!
And just like that, out of the blue "Presto" lots of great info on RUSH. . . Oh, and Raymond Scott. Thank u. 🎩 🐇
Always love the videos, man! No matter what the subject, I always come away learning something..and feeling like I gotta go practice… cheers!
Love Raymond Scott and Rush. Good work here!
Respect for Rush.
Another musician that earned my respect was Bob Segar. He went down to Muscle Shoals to record his first album, but didn't have either money or a manager. He didn't understand how recording contracts worked and he hired the studio and started playing some songs. They informed him that after a few tracks that his time was up. He confessed that he had more but didn't have the money. He asked them if they would agree to finish his album and he would include them on all royalties. They shook hands, and Bob has kept his word to this day. I saw a video about the crew, and they had nothing but respect for Bob.
BTW I saw Bob Segar and BTO in concert, and it was great.
RUSH fan for 40 years and Jazz fan for about 15.. and I never knew this. But I think now I understand where the seed of jazz was implanted in my brain. I heard Hemispheres non-stop for years.
Mind blown. Thank you for sharing.
Indeed.
Good observation.
Peace on earth.
I’m old (60). Back in the early 80’s when I was in college I used to play the Scott part from Hemispheres on our college union’s grand piano when I was learning piano because it was such an interesting yet difficult thing to play with both hands. I knew then where it was from because those cartoons were on morning TV all the time. Great memories.
Man you and I got so many things in common... bass players, double bass players, jazz players, rocknrollers... and hardcore rush fans. They're my favs by far, for over 40 years and also with Geddy as num 1, with Jaco, almost simultaneously they are the truth and the reason why I, too... got to the bass to never let it go. Great vid dude, happy new year, peace!
Awesome topic selection and breakdown, as always.
Holy shit..my mind is blown right now.
This was a very entertaining video. Thank you for making it.
What great commentary. So glad I found it! Thank you.
Great post! Thank you.
Brilliant insight! Never would have known about al this... cheers!
Well done on this video and impressed with your music knowledge
Dang. That's an awesome video! Insane analysis!
Geddy uses that bass solo pattern very often. He also uses it on the solo he sneaks in on the first track from Presto...Show Don't Tell...I think? And on a live version of Leave That Thing Alone...his solo at the end, ends on that blues scale riff again...almost the same as on yyz.
Fascinating, deepens my understanding of them, great enthusiasm, thank you.
Thank you for this!!!! It heartens me so much when these men get the attention they so greatly deserve. Keep it up!!!
Cool - thanks for sharing that gem!
Outstanding !! 🙌🏽Thanks, Paul
Great video, as always. This guy can really break things down in a logical, convincing and educational way. And entertaining too!
This is the first time I’ve ever heard the Raymond Scott & Rush connection. That was a very interesting Rush nugget of information. 👍🏻
Brother, this was a great video. Awesome!
Excellent video. Thanks for the ed!
Love your channel and love this story.
Ged’s solo on your stringed bass sounded awesome. Pure jazz. Cheers!
yup!
Didn't expect this video to feature Powerhouse, a tune i played with my community wind band last year 😅
I'm drummer, and long-time Rush & Neil Peart fan. I'll never forget being at a Rush concert in the 80s. Floor seats; everyone was standing...this guy next to me was playing air bass. He was probably the only black guy in the place. "I'm a big-time fan of Geddy!" I shouted at him. He turned to me, smiling, and said, "Oh...I dig their music, but that Geddy Lee...is BAD-ASS!" Ha! For the rest of the show, especially when they played YYZ, every time Geddy pulled off an an incredible run, we turned to each other and nodded. I call that my "Geddy concert" because I was so tuned into his playing, thanks to that cool dude standing next to me. BTW - "Powerhouse" was a hit song at the time it was released, and, believe it or not, was considered to be the equivalent of a pop song for that era.
Lol! That was really fun! Thanks for combining two of my favorite things into one cool video! 😁
What a GREAT channel…‼️And it keeps getting BETTER‼️🩵🤍🩵🤍🔥🔥🔥🎸
Wow, that was great! Thanks.
My favourite part of this song is always when they play the slower version of the Powerhouse riff. So satisfying, so much groove to it, definitely the part I'm looking forward to, everytime I put this one on :)
Very cool story! Thank you for sharing. My first experience as a young bass player was going to see a band called the ARS in 1976 at a gymnasium. They canceled and RUSH the warm-up act took the show. Needless to say, I bought a t-shirt. 34 concerts later I've got a lot of RUSH t-shirts.
Perfectly explained,such great music
Yes this jazzy looney tunes thing I realized a long time ago. The amazing thing about Hemispheres is that it is only 4 years after their first record, 4 years…..!
Cool- informative- thanks for posting
I am so happy I found you! You are the first person on UA-cam that has been able to pick up on the fact that that was a stolen jazz lick! 😂 Your insight is awesome! I look forward to hearing a lot more of your analyzations.
3:24, "that's jazz, y'all" love it
Excellent work my friend much respect.🤘🖖✌️🎸🥁🎹🎤
RUSH is such a great band. Penance? Props. The 1st time I ever saw RUSH live was in 1974 opening to a far inferior band called KISS. RUSH was so professional as musicians compared to the pyrotechnic, flame throwing no-body's that couldn't even play their instruments properly that all you heard was nothing less than noise. And tongues hanging out. The songs and music that RUSH played was dynamic. Thanks for sharing.
I love Rush and Kiss
I deeply respect Kiss as musicians
And I also love very complex and the most cerebral music possible ever like Webern Stockhausen Boulez Xenakis Carter Messiaen etc...
Cool video, and a great start to the New Year! Thanks for the education.
I grew up listening to Rush on my brother’s stereo…Loved them then, Love them more now. Thanks you so much for your video my friend!!
Wicked video man, Rush is my favorite band of all time. I never consciously realized that section of La Villa was from something else.